Traffic on NH-208 in Tripura’s Dhalai district was severely disrupted after two goods-laden trucks got stuck in massive potholes between Erarpara and Dakshin Manik Bhandar Bazar in Kamalpur. Continuous rainfall, poor road maintenance, and deteriorating highway conditions caused long traffic jams, affecting commuters and transport services.
Traffic movement on a crucial stretch of National Highway-208 in Tripura’s Dhalai district was severely disrupted on Tuesday after two goods-laden trucks became trapped in large potholes, causing hours-long congestion and exposing the deteriorating condition of the highway.
According to local sources, the affected portion of the highway lies between Erarpara and Dakshin Manik Bhandar Bazar under Kamalpur subdivision. Residents alleged that the road has remained in a damaged condition for a prolonged period due to the absence of proper repair and maintenance work by the concerned authorities.
Continuous rainfall over the past several days has further worsened the condition of the road. Waterlogging and mud accumulation were reported at multiple points along the highway, while several large potholes developed across the carriageway. The situation reached a critical stage on Tuesday morning when two heavily loaded trucks got stuck in separate potholes, blocking the movement of vehicles on the route.
As a result, traffic movement on important routes connecting Kamalpur with Ambassa and Kumarghat, as well as the Kailashahar-Agartala corridor, came to a virtual standstill. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the highway, with more than a hundred vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, trucks and commercial transport vehicles, remaining stranded for several hours.
The traffic disruption caused significant inconvenience to commuters. Office-goers, traders, students, patients and daily passengers faced difficulties reaching their destinations. Several students reportedly arrived late for their schools and colleges, while people travelling for urgent work were forced to seek alternative routes.
Local residents expressed frustration over the recurring problem and accused the authorities of failing to undertake permanent repair work despite repeated complaints. They claimed that large potholes have existed on various sections of the highway for a long time and that even moderate rainfall quickly turns the road into a hazardous stretch.
Daily commuters pointed out that National Highway-208 serves as a vital transportation corridor linking the districts of North Tripura, Dhalai and Unakoti. Any disruption on the highway directly impacts passenger movement, trade and transportation across the region.
Residents further stated that several appeals have been submitted to both the administration and National Highways authorities seeking immediate repairs. However, they alleged that no lasting solution has been implemented so far.
| Also Read: Tlaksih Villagers Face Trauma Amid NHIDCL Negligence Claims |
Locals have now demanded urgent intervention from the concerned authorities to repair the damaged portions of NH-208 and ensure safe and uninterrupted transportation for the public, particularly during the monsoon season when road conditions continue to deteriorate.
